A former Alaska Airlines pilot, Joseph David Emerson, 46, received a sentence of time served and three years of supervised release from U.S. District Judge Amy Baggio in Portland, Oregon. Emerson had attempted to cut the engines of Horizon Air Flight 2059, operating for Alaska Airlines, while off-duty on October 22, 2023. He was restrained by the on-duty pilots and crew after trying to pull down two red fire suppression handles in the cockpit, which could have cut fuel to the engines. The flight diverted to Portland and landed safely with 84 individuals on board.
Emerson explained to police that he was mourning a friend’s death, had not slept for about 48 hours, and had consumed psychedelic mushrooms two days prior. He believed he was dreaming and was trying to wake himself up during the incident. Despite being grateful to the flight crew for saving his life and those of others on board, Emerson acknowledged the consequences of his actions, expressing regret for the harm caused.
Charged with interfering with a flight crew in federal court and facing 83 counts of endangering another person in a state indictment in Oregon, Emerson pleaded guilty to the federal charge and no-contest to the state charges in September 2024. Before his sentencing, he acknowledged the impact of the incident on his life, describing it as a transformative experience that led to personal growth and introspection. He expressed gratitude for the support he received and the opportunity to address his mental health challenges and alcohol dependence.
During the hearing, Emerson’s wife, Sarah Stretch, spoke on his behalf, highlighting his growth and resilience following the incident. She emphasized the importance of responding to mistakes with courage and strength, noting the positive changes Emerson had made in his life since the event. The emotional moment concluded with Emerson hugging his attorneys and embracing his wife as the judge announced his sentence.
